If you've ever brushed up against poison ivy, you're likely familiar with the burning question: how long does poison ivy last ? While the itch and rash may feel endless, the truth is, your body is working overtime to push through the reaction. But let’s approach this not from a clinical angle — you’ve seen enough of those. Instead, imagine this as a timeline of your skin’s battle and recovery journey after a toxic encounter with nature’s most infamous plant. 🍃 Understanding the Enemy: What Makes Poison Ivy So Persistent? Before diving into how long poison ivy lasts , it’s important to understand why it wreaks such havoc. Poison ivy contains urushiol , a potent oil found in its leaves, stems, and roots. Once this oil touches your skin, it binds quickly — often within minutes — and sparks an allergic reaction in nearly 85% of people. But here's the twist: the severity and duration of poison ivy rash largely depend on how your immune system interprets this intruder. Some...